Will Coronavirus Take its Toll on Cons?

Post by **Greg2600** » February 17th, 2020, 11:39 pm

This website has been doing a great job of keeping track of all the official statements on Coronavirus impact on conventions all over the world.

https://popculthq.com/2020/03/06/conven ... -covid-19/

ICW · Post by **ICW** » February 18th, 2020, 5:00 pm

New Japan cancels all meet & greets for the foreseeable future due to Coronavirus

Following Stardom making some big changes in their schedule and ONE Fighting announcing an empty arena show, New Japan Pro Wrestling has issued some new guidelines for fans as Japan struggles with the coronavirus outbreak.

The company said all future live shows will go on, but are advising fans that if they fell ill, they should stay home. They are also encouraging fans and their staff to wear surgical-style masks in addition to providing disinfectant spray at events.

The statement also said attendee health checks may be part of future shows and that fans that don't feel well at shows may be asked to leave.

They also said that all meet and greets and autograph signings are canceled until further notice. They have events scheduled in Tokyo all weekend long.

Earlier Tuesday, Stardom canceled their February slate of events and made one of their March events an empty arena show while ONE announced their February Singapore show will also be held in front of no fans.

https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-new ... rus-304471

mrira · Post by **mrira** » February 18th, 2020, 5:38 pm

Hopefully this is done & over with before the MSG show in August.

Post by **Greg2600** » February 26th, 2020, 12:46 am

City of San Francisco declares a state of emergency.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/worl ... 59441.html

Sony backs out of the PAX East show in Boston.

https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/19/2114 ... t-2-dreams

Many major developers like Sony, EA, Kojima, etc. are limiting attendance at Game Developers Conference in San Fran.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-ga ... a-sony-ea/

Now obviously these are companies or a city with strong connection with Far East tourists and business. However, one can only speculate that if this becomes worse (pandemic) that it will have a highly negative impact on the convention business here. Having tens of thousands of people from all over the world or country in one enclosed place, probably not a good idea.

yosemitechris · Post by **yosemitechris** » February 26th, 2020, 2:31 am

not sure about cons but it's hitting the cruise ships hard and there's talk about if it will effect the 2020 toyko olympics games.

i leaving on sunday for a cruise to mexico and people are so worried about the virus. people are canceling cruises left and right.

plus i going to the lax fan fest wrestling con on sat , so i will tell you how that goes!

AJLe · Post by **AJLe** » February 26th, 2020, 12:56 pm

NJPW has now cancelled all live shows between 3/1 and 3/15.

Post by **Joresky** » February 26th, 2020, 4:02 pm

Ornella Muti had to cancel her appearance at GalaxyCon this weekend becauase of the spread of the Coronavirus in Italy so that is already an impact of it on cons here in the US

Post by **lanza218** » February 26th, 2020, 5:55 pm

mrira wrote: ↑
February 18th, 2020, 5:38 pm
Hopefully this is done & over with before the MSG show in August.

Considering the Olympics are possibly being cancelled, doubt it pal

Post by **Greg2600** » March 1st, 2020, 11:21 am

Japan and now France have banned all conventions for the time being.

Post by **Greg2600** » March 3rd, 2020, 3:04 am

Creation's Supernatural Las Vegas is this week. They just posted this today:

Due to the sensitive nature of this virus, SPN Las Vegas will be a "touch-free" event. Shaking hands, hugging, asking to hold props and physical contact with the actors will not be permitted. Please also don’t bring the actors any letters, cards or gifts, as we will not be able to accept them.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Your "Better Safe Than Sorry" friends at Creation Entertainment

Sort of makes that high dollar photo op pointless, doesn't it.

Post by **WOODMO** » March 3rd, 2020, 11:03 am

Greg2600 wrote: ↑
March 3rd, 2020, 3:04 am
Creation's Supernatural Las Vegas is this week. They just posted this today:

Due to the sensitive nature of this virus, SPN Las Vegas will be a "touch-free" event. Shaking hands, hugging, asking to hold props and physical contact with the actors will not be permitted. Please also don’t bring the actors any letters, cards or gifts, as we will not be able to accept them.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Your "Better Safe Than Sorry" friends at Creation Entertainment

Sort of makes that high dollar photo op pointless, doesn't it.

That sound you hear is 200 45 year old women sobbing uncontrollably. Sam and Dean killed by Corona though would be quite the final season twist.

ICW · Post by **ICW** » March 3rd, 2020, 2:32 pm

Major League Baseball does not presently plan to cancel or postpone spring training or regular-season games due to the coronavirus outbreak but has established an internal task force to deal with possible complications in the coming months, according to a memo obtained by ESPN.

The memo, distributed Tuesday morning to hundreds of high-ranking baseball officials, outlined suggested preparations for teams. Among the recommendations, according to the memo:

Players avoid taking balls and pens directly from fans to sign autographs - a suggestion that will be fleshed out in training materials the league intends to send to teams - and opt against handshakes.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/288 ... oronavirus

Post by **Greg2600** » March 3rd, 2020, 7:18 pm

The Arnold classic in Ohio has been postponed!!!! Or at least all but the Saturday championship.

https://twitter.com/Schwarzenegger/stat ... 69504?s=19

Hbklique1 · Post by **Hbklique1** » March 4th, 2020, 2:41 pm

Emerald City Comic Con seems to be getting hit hard. DC, CGC and Bard's tower pulled out of the show.

oldschoolwwwf · Post by **oldschoolwwwf** » March 5th, 2020, 9:50 am

I get the feeling if there are more of these outbreaks as expected, you will be seeing mass convention guest cancellations.

Marked Out